1. a large molecule or polymer that carries multiple electric charges and dissociates into many ions when dissolved in a solvent.
Usage: chemistry and materials science term; commonly used in academic and industrial contexts

Examples

• DNA is a natural polyelectrolyte that carries negative charges along its backbone.
• Polyelectrolytes are widely used in water treatment to remove suspended particles.
• The researcher studied how polyelectrolytes interact with oppositely charged surfaces.
• Synthetic polyelectrolytes have applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• The behavior of polyelectrolytes in solution depends on pH and ionic strength.
• Polyelectrolyte complexes form when positive and negative polyelectrolytes are mixed together.